Hikawa Shrine

Travel Information

One of the Popular Shrine

Hikawa Shrine (氷川神社) is one of the oldest shrine in Japan. It was established in 473 B.C.E. The Saitama's former city, "Omiya," was named after this shrine. Hikawa Shrine is one of the major groups of Shrine in Kanto, especially around Arakawa River. Also, it is the major spot in Omiya area. As the primary shrine of Musashi, many people worship this shrine for praying wishes for their happy everyday life.

Visitor's InfoThere are parking and restroom.
Many shrine closed its gates at night.

Access0. at Omiya Station.
1. use Tobu Noda Line to Kita-Omiya.
2. walk south (10 min.)

Detailed Travel Guide

Enshrines: Susanoo no Mikoto, Inadahime no Mikoto and
Onamuti no Mikoto.
The Matsuri of the Shrine: August 1.
Ddaitousai: December 10.

In Japanese myth, Yamatotakeru no Mikoto visited this shrine and pray his victory of his eastern war. In the time of Emperor Seimu (early 2nd century), Edamohi no Mikoto brought people of Izumo and found the land of Musashi and Hikawa Shrine.

In the time of Emperor Shomu (724 to 749), it was set as the primary shrine of Musashi. In 766, Hikawa Shrine was the only shrine allowed to have a sacred well.

Emperor Daigo set Hikawa Shrine as the "Myojin Taisya," the highest rank of Japanese Shrine.

Also, many shoguns played great respects to this shrine. Minamoto no Yoritomo contributed lands to Hikawa Shrine. Ashikaga and Hojo also contributed. Tokugawa Shogun also contributed another 300 koku of Land.

Sando, the main street to the shrineHikawa Shrine has a 2km long of Sando. It runs the south of the shrine. There are three huge Torii Gates and beautiful Keyaki Tree Avenue.